Arsene Wenger has defended FIFA's decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, calling it a natural progression as the tournament approaches its 100th anniversary. Speaking ahead of Friday's draw, the former Arsenal manager and now FIFA's chief of global football development said the move reflects the global growth of the sport.
Wenger acknowledged initial concerns about the expanded format, admitting he was 'a little bit scared' that the quality gap between teams would be too wide. However, he said recent under-17 tournaments with 48 teams showed that the standard has become more even, thanks to increased investment in coaching and education worldwide.
He noted that the World Cup began with 13 teams in 1930, expanded to 24 in 1982, and to 32 in 1998. 'Now I believe 48 teams is the right number,' he said, pointing out that it still includes less than 25 per cent of FIFA's 211 member associations.
Not everyone is convinced. BBC presenter Mark Chapman criticised the expansion, calling it 'a really s*** idea' and arguing that it dilutes the quality of early matches. The tournament, to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see teams drawn into 12 groups of four.
